Report by SJG

LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs BRADFORD CITY

 29^th September 1979

LATICS GIVE LEAGUE LEADERS A MAULING.

The unbeaten League leaders arrived at Springfield fully expecting to pocket the spoils against a Latics side that has so far struggled to find any proper rhythm. ninety minutes later and they were heading back over the Pennines with their tails between their legs as Wigan simply blew them away.

The first period was fairly even, with Latics grabbing the opening goal when Houghton slipped his marker Podd, and fired over a low driven cross that MOORE lashed into the top of the visitor’s goal. Then on the half hour a Bradford corner caused mayhem in the Wigan box as Latics struggled to clear and STANIFORTH picked up the loose ball and stabbed home the leveller. Any expectation that Bradford would now build on this to go on and claim the win were repeatedly dashed as Fretwell marshalled the defence superbly and in attack Latics looked threatening.

Half time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Bradford City.

The second period was Latics stepping up the pressure as having survived a couple of anxious moments in defence they proceeded to pile pressure on the visiting defenders. Corrigan led the way with a fine display and his incisive passing was responsible for setting up all three second half goals.

On 50 minutes Corrigan played a neat ball behind the City defence and although Hutchins initially claimed possession he was quickly dispossessed by the tenacious GORE who neatly slipped the ball past Smith.

Houghton then went close to adding a third when he beat two men before steering a shot past Smith, only for Cooper to recover and clear the effort off the goal-line.

The third goal, when it arrived, was a simple affair as a Corrigan near-post corner found the head of HINNIGAN and his back header proved decisive as the ball flew into the net.

Latics were now dominant as Corrigan, Wright and Urquhart (who had replaced Purdie in the starting line-up) sprayed passes around and in the 83^rd minute HOUGHTON grabbed a deserved goal when he fired home a vicious drive past Smith after a neat through ball from Corrigan had give him space and time.

Full time; Wigan Athletic 4-1 Bradford City.

Scorers; Moore (14), Gore (50), Hinnigan (80), Houghton (83); Staniforth (30);

Attendance; 8,009

Team; WIGAN—Shyne; Gore, Hinnigan, Davids, Fretwell; Urquhart, Wright, Corrigan, Houghton; Brownbill, Moore; SUB; -- Crompton;

BRADFORD CITY--- Smith; Podd, Watson, Baines, Cooper; Bates, Dolan, Hutchins, Wood; McGiven, Staniforth; SUB; -- Martinez;

Referee; Mr. Don Shaw (Sandbach).